How to Survive an Attack

Introduction:

“On Dec. 7, 1941 the Japanese launched a surprise attack on the American military base at Pearl Harbor. The attack took the lives of over 2,300 US servicemen. Most of the fleet of aircraft was damaged or destroyed. Eight battleships, three destroyers, and three cruisers were taken out of action. Two battleships, Oklahoma and Arizona, were completely destroyed. The success of the attack was due in large part to the element of surprise. American forces weren’t prepared for the attack.” [Unknown Source]

Many Christians have been attacked and defeated by a surprise attack by Satan. Every Christian is living on a battlefield and must always be prepared for an attack. Our text describes a battle in the life of David. It reveals several valuable lessons that we can learn about winning the battle.

Text: II Samuel 5:17-25

Body:

  1. The Enemy’s Tactics (Verses 17-18)
  • The Philistines have been a constant enemy of God’s people Israel, robbing them of peace and tranquility. That’s what Satan tries to rob us of. When we decide to submit to Christ as Lord and follow Him, there will be attacks. (I Peter 5:8-9)
  • Note the timing of the enemy’s attack. Seven years earlier David was appointed king of Judah, but these past years had been filled with battles and discouragement. But now he has just been anointed king of both Judah and Israel; so the Philistines launched a surprise attack hoping to catch him off guard. Satan likes to attack us when we least expect it. That’s why constant vigilance is called for. Recall Christ’s words in Matthew 26:41.
  • The Philistines were very determined to defeat David and Israel. Note that “all the Philistines went up to seek out David.” They would stop at nothing to defeat him. Satan knows he has been defeated by Christ; but he wants to take as many as possible to hell with him. (John 12:31, Revelation 12:7-12)
  • The Philistines spread themselves out in the valley. They wanted to intimidate the Israelites and strike fear into their hearts. Satan wants us to take our eyes off Jesus. Remember Peter walking on the water. (Matthew 14:24-30)
  1. David’s Strategies for Victory (Verses 19-23)
  • David’s joy at being crowned king was cut short. Even though he didn’t go looking for trouble, trouble found him. By learning David’s responses to the Philistine’s attacks, we can see how best to respond to Satan’s attacks.
  1. David inquired of the Lord and prayed for guidance. This was a common strategy for David. (I Samuel 23:1-2, 10-12) This needs to be our first response when the enemy attacks. He knows the battles we face, our strengths and weaknesses. We must seek the Lord for truth and for help. (Psalm 25:5) Earlier the Israelites had been deceived by men of Gibean because they had not sought the Lord. (Joshua 9:14-15)
  2. David obeyed the Lord and believed and trusted in God. He immediately followed God’s instructions without questioning them. The Lord knows best! (Hebrews 5:9) They took idols and burned them. (Deuteronomy 7:5, 25, I Chronicles 14:12)
  3. David depended upon the Lord. God told David to change battle plans. Even though the Philistines had been beaten by a frontal assault the first time, God told David to change tactics and attack from the rear. We must rely upon the words of I Corinthians 10:13. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” NKJV
  1. God’s Provisions (Verses 24-25)
  • God provided victory when David followed God’s lead. He led him to a group of mulberry [or balsam] trees. David was told to wait for the sound of “a going [marching?] in the tops of the trees. The Lord’s presence would be with him and go before him.
  • It is truly a wonderful blessing to know we don’t have to fight our battles alone. God will be with us! Not even Satan has the power to separate us from God. (Romans 8:31-39)

Conclusion:

If you have not yet been washed of your sins in baptism, you don’t know the joy of God’s presence. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19-20)

Bobby Stafford October 19, 2014